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Debate over hyperbaric oxygen therapy for TBI and PTSD surfaces as VA urges caution
Summary
Lawmakers backed a pilot to test hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, citing recent studies and patient demand; Department of Veterans Affairs witnesses said the evidence remains insufficient and raised safety and funding concerns.
Supporters of HR 1336, the Veterans National Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act, told the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health they want a five‑year pilot to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to veterans with persistent TBI and PTSD symptoms.
"This is not only a viable, but a very, very successful intervention," Representative Tim Murphy said in opening remarks, referencing NIH meta‑analyses and veteran advocates. Emergency physician and hyperbaric specialist Dr. Andrew Kosminski, who testified for proponents, described clinical studies that showed neuropsychiatric improvements and…
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